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I apologize for such a late Friday post, but this time I actually had an excuse for being late.

Thursday, was Thanksgiving (as you all know), and I was no where near a computer (my post was scheduled). Friday, I was gone all day, because me and Lil Man went to Logansport, IN on a road trip to go see some family with my family, and then today (Saturday), I worked all day, well 11 hours to be exact. So, this time, it was life getting in the way and not my procrastination tendencies.

I am happy to say that this week has been a lot better than last, sickness-wise. AND of course there were FIVE things that were super awesome this week.

One... I signed up for a cara box, from Wifessionals, since I really like the idea behind it. Basically you get to know two people, and then send a box full of encouragement and love to one of them. I am super excited to participate in this!!!

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Two... Target is truly a wonderful place. They were running a sale on their sweaters, and I was able to get two ultra soft chenille cardis and a sweater for 40% off each, and two necklaces that I have been dying for, for 75% off each. Definitely a GREAT shopping trip.

Three... We put our Christmas tree and decorations up on Tuesday. Going through the totes, we actually realized that we had two long strings of lights and a tree topper. If you remember my post about picking up the tree (if not, read here), you knew that me and the hubby were going to compromise and alternate between white and colored lights. Well, the lights in the totes were WHITE, and the tree topper has colored lights. We decided to use the lights in he totes, so we didn't have to spend any money, and to be honest I actually like the way it turned out.

Five... On Friday, I was finally able to meet my niece. She is six months and super cute! I would share a picture, but I don't know how her parents would feel. Anyways, my step-brother and his family live about an hour and a half to two hours away, so we don't get to see them on the regular, and that I why I haven't been able to see her until now.

Also for this week, I have been listening to One Republic's Counting Stars, so I wanted to share the awesomeness of the song with y'all :)

I just wanted to stop in and wish y'all a very happy turkey day!! Lil Man and I will be spending the day with a really good friend and her family, because (a) the hubby is working, (b) my mom is working, and (c) I don't have to cook.

So, on that note: I am sooo thankful for awesome friends!!!

I hope your turkey is juicy, your mashed potatoes are buttery and filled with gravy, and your pie is amazing!!!

By the way, today, November 28, is mine and the hubby's 6 year anniversary of being together. :)

This week's four favorites link up is all about Thanksgiving! Holy Crap, I am actually on time for this!! Anyone want to give me a pat on the back?

I love food, therefore I love Thanksgiving! I love the fact that you can stuff your face until you want to puke and undo the top button of whatever pants you are wearing, and not get an judgment from family members for it! I personally think that you should just wear a nice shirt (for picture taking) and tehn just wear your ratty ole' sweats, cause you know that you are going to gain at least ten pounds and those sweats are just so forgiving. Anyone agree?

So, my absolute four favorite things about Thanksgiving?

one... Turkey

MMM... Turkey! I love the whole process of making the turkey... washing it out, making the stuffing, cooking it for like six hours... wait, what am I saying? Apparently I just got caught up in the moment, and starting typing what came to mind, but I do not love making turkey. I LOVE eating the turkey. And then I LOVE the cold turkey sandwiches the day after.

two... Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Since I was little, I have always watched the Macy's day parade on Thanksgiving Day, while my Mom was cooking the Turkey. It was like one of those family tradition things that people always talk about, so I have kept the tradition alive by watching it with my son. This year's gonna be good, because he is really into Santa!

When it comes to pie on Thanksgiving, I instantly transform into a that "Fat kid who love cake". MMM HMMMM

four... Christmas Tree Decorating

Putting up the Christmas tree has always varied from either the day before (aka Thanksgiving Eve) or the day after (aka Black Friday), depending on if we are hosting dinner or not. In either instance, I have always LOVED putting up the tree.

My twenty-eighth is exactly a week from today... Yikes! I am seriously scared shitless about this! No, not the actual day, but the idea of turning twenty-eight, and it meaning that I am two years away from thirty. I seriously wish I could have Jennifer Garner's mentality of turning thirty in 13 going on 30... Thirty, Flirty & Thriving.... But I don't.

Anyone else ever feel like this?

I feel like I have been on this earth for almost thirty years, and I have nothing to show for it. Not really, but seriously.
Another fun fact... seven years ago, I was planning an awesome 21st Birthday party around this time, and this year... we are not going drinking, we (as in me and the hubsters) are taking Lil Man to the Museum to see Christmas Trees from around the world, finding an awesome downtown Chi-town pizza place, and then having my Mom watch Lil Man so we can go see "Catching Fire."

Wow... things have really changed!
Anyways... What brought all of this on? You don't really have to ask, as I am sure you already know, but it was Facebook. (Holds fist in the air, "Damn you Facebook!!")

I am around six months away from my 10 year high school reunion (if we are actually having one), and as I look at some of my classmates, I am like, Really? what the hell have I done?
Some are doctors, lawyers, have more money than they can imagine, have built houses, are working at their dream job, have traveled to the ends of the earth,... this list can go on and on.

What the hell have I done in the almost 10 years since High School?

-I have been married for a little over four years.
-I have a three year old Lil Man.
-I have a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice
-I am six months away from my Master's of Science in Criminal Justice.
-I work for a not-for-profit.

Not a very glamorous list. Yes, I am fortunate and very thankful what I do have/have accomplished, but I feel like I have so much more I want to do. Aka... My thirty by thirty list.Don't get me wrong, I know that I am fortunate to have all of the things above and my good overall general health, but sometimes some things just have the ability to turn me into a mentally emotional train wreck.
But, I have to thank you all for listening to me "just blogging it out" :)

Btw... I just wanted to let you know that Briana's 10 Favorite Things link up, over at Endlessly Beloved, goes live on Monday. Be sure to check it out (since I am one of her sponsors this month) and participate!!!

If you are a frequent stalker of my lil slice of the bloggy world, I am sure that you have noticed some changes lately...

No, you are not seeing things, I just changed my mind a lot when it came to the design...

When it comes to my blog, I have yet to find that subtle "look" that I like. Since starting, my design has changed a handful of times, and that is most likely due to me reading everyone else's blogs and falling in love with their designs. Like at first, the design was white dandelions. A hundred tiny wishes.. get it? And then it was this summery look, to match my blog header that I made with picmonkey, seriously love that site. And now... I am trying for a glitter theme, that just doesn't seem to be working yet, so I went with grey.

Since I am so new to the bloggy world, I really don't feel like paying for someone to design my blog. Especially when there are so many tutorials out there to help me... like today, I found a way to make glitter text in Photoshop Elements with a transparent background. I fell in love almost immediately. (Read last line in paragraph about) I mean, what girl doesn't like glitter?

I know I have already written a post like this one, but please just bear with me :) Pretty please with sugar on top.

Awesome! Since you have agreed to bear with me... I shall grant you cute pictures of two of my favorite animals!

Unfortunately, I am not even sure if I can call today's post "High Five For Friday", because honestly this week has kinda sucked. Why? Well, read on for the one reason...

One... I have been sick with sinus issues since last week. On Friday, Lil Man started complaining that his head hurt, and by Monday, he kept complaining and had a fever. So, I called the Doctor and got us both in on Tuesday.

Bear with me here... The doctor said that I had sinusitis, that the right side of my face/head was worse than the left, and put me on antibiotics. (oh joy) She also said that it seemed as if Lil Man's body was fighting off any infection, but if he got worse, to call and she would give him something. Wednesday night Lil Man got worse... he was so congested that he woke up multiple times because he couldn't breathe. I called the Doctor Thursday (yesterday) and she gave him some antibiotics as well. So this week has been filled with crabbiness, crankiness, and snot-filled tissues... UGH.

Ok, done with bad stuff!Promise!

Two... Wal-Mart brought back their moisturizing fuzzy socks that are infused with Aloe and Vitamin E. I love these socks. ﻿

Three... Meet Row-Bot. Lil man received this in his Wendy's Kids Meal, and I must say, it is the best toy that he has received lately! ﻿

Four... While on a trip to JCP to pay my credit card bill, I stopped in Sephora. I was talking about my upcoming birthday (less than two weeks) with the sales girl, and she handed my this cute lil Benefit set. It included Benefit 'Watt's up' and 'They're Real' mascara, and I received it because I am a Beauty Insider. :) Made my week a ton better! ﻿

Five... Has anyone besides me, wondered where Pitbull has been? I mean, like every new song on the radio was his, then all of a sudden, he dropped the face of the earth...

But hold on... It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's just Pitbull teaming up with Ke$ha for this...

It's no secret that I love doing link ups and beauty round ups :) So when Fancy Things and Let It Be Beautiful posted their Wednesday linky party, Four Things, and the subject was basically "What are four beauty things that you can't live without?" I was hooked :) Yes, I am a day late, but I had already posted my love for Pond's, and I didn't want to post twice in one day (gasp).

Benefit BAD Gal Lash / Hands down the best mascara that I have ever tried!

EOS Lip balm / I don't wear lip stick, and I very rarely wear lip gloss, so I am addicted to lip balms and chap sticks. I love the taste and long weariness of EOS.

Conair Bobby Pins / One word: Cheap. I have a love for bobbies.

Clinique Eye shadow quad in Choco-Latte / I love this eye shadow quad. It has a white, a dark brown, a smoky brown, and a champagne.

Two...
As part of AAMT, I have decided to share with you my make up bag contents...

Yes, I have 21 products in my makeup bag. A bit overkill, sure, but I don't really have my "total go to" items and I HAVE to have choices. I also don't carry any makeup products, except lip balm, in my purse.

I hope you enjoyed, but please don't think that I am a hoarder! Cause I'm not :)

Unfortunately, I am some times way too lazy and tired to take it off at night. Yeah, uh oh. But... thanks to the next three products, I don't break out! Yeah, I said it. My skin, even though it is sometimes dry, is super awesome! Well, with some help, of course.

I have tried so many different face washes and cleansing/makeup removing toweletts, but I have finally found a product line that I have fallen for...

Ponds has been around forever. There is no wonder why, it's a great product line! I love their Luminous Clean line...

One... Pond's Luminous Clean Cream Cleanser- I love this cleanser. I wash my face in the morning, and it washes away any trace of the day before's makeup. It also has a nice price tag... Under $5 :)

Two... Pond's Luminous Clean Wet Cleansing Towelettes- When I do remember to take off my makeup at night, this is what I use. Wow! Price tag is also under $5.

Three... If you have read my BB/CC cream review (if not, you can read it here), you would have read that I had received this complementary from Influenster for testing purposes, and instantly fell for it! It is seriously my favorite drug store BB to date!

I definitely recommend that you all try this line! You won't be disappointed!

BTW.. all of the opinions are all my own, and I have not been compensated in any way for them.

*Please note: this post is going to be full of complaining, so I am going to apologize in advance.*

Seriously, why do people use Facebook as an outlet for airing their dirty laundry? I try not to, because I just don't feel like reading it, and I know I'm not the only one.

I personally don't care if your husband stayed out till 2am and it pissed you off, because he couldn't get up in the morning and watch your kid. Get over it!

Your wife cheated on you? Well boo f-ing hoo! Putting her on blast just makes a fool of yourself.

And putting pictures up of your ex, and putting that dude/skank on blast? Really?

Fighting online? Ridiculous!

Getting mad at someone because they either won't add you or deleted you... Or because they posted a picture, and you weren't in it... Are you serious? I have no words for you!

I want to see the fun vacation pictures that make me jealous, the cute as a button and funny as heck baby pictures, a picture of your new pet, a picture of your new house, a picture of your to-die-for new shoes or new outfit... the list can go on and on.

I don't care if you are taking a poop. Or sitting on the couch being lazy. Or your kid just spit up/pooped/peed on you, unless there is a twist, and you make a joke out of it. Or if your family member just cut you off. That shit's for Twitter.

I won't lie. I have done all of those before (except the poop thing. It's just TMI.) Have I put someone on blast? I really don't think I have actually used names, but yes, I have done it before.

Facebook used to be a place just for students and you actually needed a valid school e-mail address to sign up. And then it opened up to anyone... que demise of Myspace. And now everyone, including my parents have a profile (not a bag thing, though).

And the app requests? STOP SENDING THEM! I ain't got time for that. Sure, I played Farmville for like 6 months when I was pregnant because I was out of a job and had nothing better to do.

No, I am not knocking Facebook. I love the fact that I can "keep in touch" with people, and share all my pictures. ( a little known fact, someone that I considered a good friend has never actually seen my son in person, and he's three)

I love the fact that I have like 300 friends, that would never come to a party in person if I invited them, but they will comment and "like" my stuff. I love the fact that when I have a lunch date with someone, and show them a pic, their response "Yeah, I saw that on FB." I love the fact that people write on my "wall" and wish me a happy birthday, and then don't talk to me the other 364 days of the year.

Did you catch any of my sarcasm?

But, this post it's just about Facebook, it's about all Social Media and the non personal-ness of it!

Did you know that social media is one of the most non-personal way of talking?

The hierarchy of social media personal-ness

Seeing someone in person- Most personal

Talking on the phone

Txt messaging

Having a blog (really depends though)

Facebook
Instagram (kinda depends)

Twitter

Pinterest- Least personal

When did society get to a point when we stopped talking to each other? Personally I'd rather txt, instead of talking on the phone...

When did we stop actually sending out birthday or party invites?

When the hell did we come up with the concept of deleting and blocking someone? On that subject- I was friends with a girl for over two years and our children occasionally played together, because they were born on the same day. Out of the blue, she deleted me and blocked me on FB, with no warning. That right there was really rude!

When did we stop respecting each other? I know it's a long shot, but why can't we all just be nice and maybe get along?

Burrr... Baby it's cold outside! I know it isn't winter yet, but it sure feels like it here in Northwest Indiana, well except for yesterday (which was humid, windy, and tornado watch laden). I swear our weather here is like menopause.

So in honor of our impending snow and cold weather fronts, I have decided to share with you my top five winter essentials. Wait, I am not going to show you a bunch of scarves, gloves, hats, or fleece lined leggings (which I am in dire need of), I am going to show you my top five winter BEAUTY essentials. Basically those things that I used to make myself comfy and usually only use them in the privacy of my own home. AND I am not talking about my snuggie. Yes, I have one, so don't judge.

1. Dove purely pampering body wash in almond and hibiscus- I need all of the moisture that I can get in the winter, and this stuff seems to lock it in.

3. Fuzzy socks that are infused with Vitamin E and Aloe for a moisturizing effect- My feet are so dry from wearing nothing but flip-flops all summer, so these fuzzy socks help me keep my feet moisturized and prevent the painful cracking that I am prone to.

4. Clinique Moisture Extended Thirst Relief Face Moisturizer- This amazing gel/cream hydrates and gives my skin a supple and firm look. I am addicted to this stuff. I put it on right after I wash my face, and it keeps my dry skin at bay. Btw... Garnier makes a great dupe of this stuff that is 1/4 of the price!

5. Ology Milk and Honey body lotion- I picked this up on a recent trip to Walgreens and put it on my hands as soon as I got home. Not only does this stuff smell amazing, but it hydrates like none other. The smell is not over powering, the stuff is all natural and without harsh chemicals, and it is relatively cheap.

There ya go, my top five winter beauty essentials. All of them are relatively cheap, except the Clinique (so try the Garnier dupe), but each one makes winter a bit more bearable for me.

In the words of Callie Torres, "You gatta invest in your brand." And that means what precisely? To me, it means being the best version of yourself you can be. Wait, that's a line of bull. Nobody is perfect, but investing in your brand really means "being honest about who you really are and putting yourself out there".

This blog has given me that opportunity. I am able to write whatever I want, whether it be happy, sad, embarrassing, or opinioned, and not care who reads it, because I am just a girl named Tabitha in Northwest Indiana that has one lonely blog in the middle of millions.

But... this is my blog, it's not my diary, and it's a reflection of me. (BTW, I seriously love each and everyone who reads this lil blog, because without you, I would be talking to an imaginary friend, and that would be kinda awkward...)

This concept of mine may also be the reason that I have linked my personal Instagram and Twitter accounts for all of you, just a little FYI.

I am a brutally honest type of person, that only sugar coats when I deem it necessary. I am a recovering don't-think-before-I-speak kinda gal (I hurt too many feelings, and it got a lil lonely), but I know who I am.

I am Tabitha. I am a mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. I am far from perfect. I am a Grad student who procrastinates way too much. I misspell words. I have a really bad memory. I love pink. I am opinionated. I am sarcastic. I make mistakes. I am honest when need be. I hold stuff in until something triggers me, and my cork pops unleashing all hell onto whoever triggered it in the first place. I hold grudges. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am not into airing dirty laundry. I take too many pictures. I am an animal lover. I believe in equal rights for everyone. I have flaws.

Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I'm scared. Sometimes I am an emotional train wreck. I am not made of stone and I do have feelings. Sometimes I say things that are totally out of left field, and live in "Tabby World." Sometimes I get angry. Sometimes I'm shy. Sometimes I'm annoying. Sometimes I question other's decisions. Sometimes I ask for advice, because even though I am totally awesome, I don't actually know everything little thing that there is to know. Sometimes I daydream. Sometimes I overthink a situation. Sometimes I spend too much time on the computer, too much money at the store, and too many hours watching TV.

So what's my point?

Always be yourself. No matter what or who you are, then you should try to be that. Don't lie about who you are to appease others. And stop judging each other.

We are not living in a world made of rainbows and fluffy pink unicorns, so why act like we are?

Since last Thursday, I shared a quiz that I had found, I have decided to make Thursdays "All About Me Thursdays"! Yeah, I know that this blog is basically my thoughts and feelings about particular subjects, but I don't really talk about me in depth, and some things are just better in lists.

BTW: This list was inspired by the Facebook "Random things you don't know about me" status posts.

one... I met my husband at a bar. Don't judge! And here's why: we were engaged a year after our first date, married less than nine months after that, found out I was pregnant three months later, and had lil man fourteen days after our first wedding anniversary. All in all, we have been together for almost six years (this month) and married for four.

two... I am a child of divorce and remarriage. I haven't seen to my biological Dad since my honeymoon. And before that it was like three years.

*If I ever refer to my Dad in posts, I am referring to my Step-Dad.*

three... The three hardest things in my life have been my parent's divorce, my Great-Grandmother's death, and my Step-Grandpa's funeral.

four... I have one child, and I don't plan on having anymore anytime soon.

five... I have know my bestie for 15 years.

six... My favorite colors are pink and blue.

seven... I have a slight obsession with all things moose, owl, penguin and polar bear.

eight... I have a love for photography. I love printing out un-posed pictures and putting them up around the house.

nine... I never leave the house without mascara.

ten... I am not a "this or that" type of person. I always try to find the good in other people, and color outside the lines.

As some have already read, it's burr-riffic here in Northwest Indiana. It snowed a couple of days ago, and quite frankly, I'm freezing my booty off (but that could be a good thing?) because I don't really have any warm stuff yet (outerwear wise).

Granted I have my North Face fleece, but I don't actually have a nice, keyword being nice, winter jacket, and my boots are from last year. For some, this wouldn't be an issue, except, I wear mine (both jacket and boots) almost year round- Spring, Fall, and Winter. I know, I know, I have already come to the conclusion that I need more than one pair of boots and a nice jacket, and I am working on it, but for now, I will just have to deal with my current ones. ﻿

To illustrate the coldness, I give you this: ﻿

So, onto the post.

I picked up the rather cute grey maternity sweater on clearance at Target a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I just said Maternity, and NO I am not pregnant. I love like maternity clothes. I have a bit of "blah blah blah" from my pregnancy three years ago, and even though I've been loosing weight, I have yet to get rid of "all this". So, maternity clothes tend to give me the room and comfort that I want. Please note: I only have a couple of pieces of maternity clothes- like a couple of shirts, and this sweater. I am not THAT girl.

Anyways, the sweater had been sitting in my closet since I bought it, because of the deep v and awkwardness of how it fit. (Bows head in shame... No, I did not try it on before I bought it, because I was shopping with lil man... Channeling Macklemore: But it was $5.98!!!)

So, I finally pulled it out of my closet yesterday, through on my black/grey/cream leopard print scarf, and was amazed. The scarf covered up the deep v (dur) and the awkwardness of the sweater looked fine.

I went to Maurices sans lil man (once-in-a-lifetime-thing) and was able to try on clothes, so I decided to snap a pic of my super-awesome-but-retarded-light bulb-moment. Being Mrs. Obvious- the one on the left is no scarf, and the one on the right is well, with scarf.